‘Progress is impossible without change,’ so said the Nobel laureate, George Bernard Shaw. Change is inevitable, and journals are not an exception to this rule. ‘Seminars in Ophthalmology’ adapted itself to several internal and external changes over the last three and a half decades to emerge as a global journal with widespread inter-continental readership. The journal is bracing up for yet another change, the change in the leadership.
Decisive leadership is crucial for any journal. Prof. Thomas R. Friberg’s contribution, dedication, and vision for the journal are much responsible for getting the journal the recognition it has today. It is a great privilege and honour for me to be stepping into his giant shoes and taking over the mantle from him.
As the new editor-in-chief of the journal, I would start implementing my vision for it. Several changes to the editorial board, submission process, article types, and the review process are expected. I intend to achieve a rapid-response team, quick turnover times, and swift online visibility of the accepted manuscripts. One of the journal’s highlights is the annual ‘Mass Eye Ear Infirmary (MEEI) – fellows’ special issue,’ where the younger generations are given opportunities to publish systematic reviews under the able guidance of their mentors. Going forward, we would extend such special issues to institutes of global eminence and enhance the scope of such issues to include original investigations encompassing both clinical and basic sciences. Besides, subspecialty-based and thematic issues would be encouraged. In its 35th year, although the journal is mature, it is in its prime youth, looking to conquer new worlds and explore the exciting world of ophthalmic sciences.
The mathematician and philosopher Alfred Whitehead once said, ‘The art of progress is to preserve order amid change.’ This is precisely what I intend to do. Consolidate the gains obtained so far while simultaneously infusing newer energies and newer ideas for the betterment and progress of ophthalmic sciences and the journal.
Here’s to the new beginnings!
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Mohammad Javed Ali receives royalties from Springer for the textbook “Principles and Practice of Lacrimal Surgery’, ‘Atlas of Lacrimal Drainage Disorders’, and ‘Video Atlas of Lacrimal Surgery’.